Search
Cheltenham 2024
- Main Site
- Cheltenham Home
- Cheltenham Cards
- Cheltenham Results
- Cheltenham Offers
- Cheltenham Odds
- Cheltenham Tips
- Cheltenham News
- Prestbury Cup
- Cheltenham Videos
-
Cheltenham Statistics
- Leading Trainer
- Leading Jockeys
- Leading Owners
- Previous Years
- Previous Appearances
- Breeding Profile of Winners
- Lady Jockeys at The Festival
- Leading Jockey Award Winners
- Most Successful Jockeys of All Time
- Current Jockeys Competing at Cheltenham
- Most Successful Jockey In..
- Leading Trainer Award Winners
- Most Successfull Trainer All Time
- Current Trainers Competing at Cheltenham
- Most Successful Trainer In..
- Cheltenham Trainer/Runner Index
- Desktop Site
Cheltenham 2024
- irishracing.com
- Cheltenham
- News
- Speedy Court Phoenix just holds off odds-on fav in opener
Alan Magee
Speedy Court Phoenix just holds off odds-on fav in opener
Court Phoenix (left) and Leigh Roche beating Beatrix Power
© Photo Healy Racing
Court Phoenix upset the odds in the opening William Hill Committed To Top Prices Maiden at Dundalk when just getting the better of hot favourite Beatrix Power
The Jimmy Coogan-trained gelding, who went close on both previous starts this year including when third at the Curragh, again showed good pace throughout in this five-furlong event.
Billy Lee oozed confidence on 4/5 shot Beatrix Power early in the straight but had to get serious inside the final furlong as Court Phoenix showed no sign of stopping in front.
Leigh Roche ’s mount kept on gamely to just hold on by a nose at odds of 11/1 with Crystal Luna nearly four lengths back in third.
Coogan said, "I thought the surface would suit him better than Navan, the ground was slow in Navan.
"It was a solid run and he was only just caught in the last 50 yards up the hill in Navan.
"I thought around here on the ground and an easier five, he might get the money.
"He stuck at it and knuckled down well. We'll keep him at it up here."
Quotes by Michael Graham